Color-based neurofeedback

ABSTRACT

A neurofeedback technique uses color as its feedback cue. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes an amplifier that receives EEG signals from electrodes (e.g., adhesive electrodes, SQUID sensors, etc.) on or adjacent the person&#39;s scalp, a low or band pass filter, a color processor and a display. The color processor converts an aspect of one or more channels of the person&#39;s EEG signal(s) to a color and shows that color to the person on the display. The aspect of the EEG that is converted to color can be the frequency or the amplitude of the person&#39;s EEG signal(s). If EEG amplitude is used in the conversion process, the instantaneous, average or peak amplitude can be used. This process is dynamic, meaning that the system repeatedly converts the EEG signal to color. Conventional adhesive electrodes or non-adhesive sensors can be used to detect the person&#39;s brain activity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention generally relates to neurofeedbackequipment and techniques. More particularly, the invention relates tothe use of color in a neurofeedback system.

[0005] 2. Background Information

[0006] For many years, neurologists, psychotherapists, researchers, andother health care professionals have studied the human brain. Onecommonly studied parameter is the electrical activity of the brain.Using electrodes adhered to a person's scalp in conjunction withassociated electronics (amplifiers, filters, etc.), anelectroencephalogram (“EEG”) is recorded over a given time perioddepicting the electrical activity of the brain at the various electrodesites. In general, EEG signals (colloquially referred to as “brainwaves”) have been studied in an effort to determine relationshipsbetween frequencies of electrical activity or neural discharge patternsof the brain and corresponding mental, emotional and cognitive states.As a result of this type of work, it has become generally accepted thatmonitoring a person's EEG and providing feedback information to theperson as a function of the EEG can actually serve to enable a person tovoluntarily reach or maintain a target mental state and enhanceperformance in certain areas. This type of feedback technique isreferred to generally as “neurofeedback.”

[0007] As a function of time, EEG signals appear to the untrained eye asseemingly random squiggles on a paper chart or display. Upon morecareful inspection, the EEG signals typically follow a pattern of sorts,with peaks and valleys crudely approximating a sinusoidal waveform. Thenumber of peaks of an EEG per second is referred to as the “frequency”and is measured in units of Hertz (“Hz”). The frequency of EEG signalsvary from site to site on the head, and also vary as a function of themental state of the person.

[0008] A standard has been used for many years to permit easy referenceto EEG frequencies. Table I below shows eight standardized frequencybands and the typical mental state associated with each band. TABLE IEEG Designations Name Frequency range (Hz) General Subjective StateDelta 0-4 Sleep, unconscious processing Theta 4-7 or 4-8 Deeply relaxed,inwardly focused Alpha 8-12 or 8-13 Very relaxed, passive attentionBeta >13 External attention SMR Beta 12-15 Relaxed, external attentionMid Beta 15-18 Active, external attention High Beta 18-35 Anxiety,external attention Gamma >30 or >35 Peak performance states or aconsolidation frequency

[0009] More recently, practitioners have referred less often to thefrequency bands by their Greek labels and more often to numerical rangeof the band (e.g., the “1-3 Hz” band). This is largely a result of manypractitioners delineating the frequency bands differently.

[0010] Numerous neurofeedback techniques have been attempted over theyears. Common to many of these techniques is the use of discrete visualor audible feedback signals or cues that relate in some predeterminedmanner to the person's EEG signals. These techniques typically comparethe frequency of an EEG signal to a predetermined frequency threshold orfrequency range and provide one visual feedback signal if the EEGfrequency is within the range and a different feedback signal if thefrequency is outside the range. The person being trained uses thesefeedback signals to modify the electrical activity of one or more areasof the brain thereby achieving a target mental state. Examples of suchtechniques are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,024,235 and 5,899,867.

[0011] Although satisfactory to some degree in certain applications,such techniques are generally self-limiting in their ability to displaythe full range of frequencies at a wide variety of cortical sites in anintuitively easy to understand format. For example, in FIGS. 14-18 ofU.S. Pat. No. 5,899,867 (U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,867 incorporated herein byreference in its entirety), a simplistic facial image is shown as thefeedback image to the person. The face has two eyes, two eyebrows, anose and a mouth. The mouth is controlled by the amplitude of the alphawaves (8-12 Hz), and the eyebrows are controlled by the theta wave (4-7Hz) amplitude. As a form of neurofeedback therapy, this type of visualrepresentation can be difficult for a patient to reconcile and processin a useful manner. Moreover, conventional feedback techniques typicallyrequire more of a conscious effort to focus on the task at hand andlearn the format for very narrow control.

[0012] Additionally, conventional electrodes that are adhered to aperson's scalp for neurofeedback therapy typically use a stickyconductive paste that is messy to apply and messy to clean upafterwards. Further, the time required to correctly position theelectrodes and verify that a sufficiently low impedance exists betweeneach electrode and the scalp is relatively long, and the process isgenerally inconvenient to the person being monitored.

[0013] Accordingly, an improved neurofeedback technique is needed,particularly one that avoids or minimizes the feedback issues notedabove and the mess and inconvenience involved with adhesive-typeelectrodes.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The problems noted above are solved in large part by aneurofeedback technique and apparatus that uses color as its feedbackcue, and preferably that employ non-adhesive sensors. A preferredembodiment of the invention includes an amplifier that receives EEG ormagnetoencephalogram (“MEG”) signals from electrodes on or adjacent tothe person's scalp, a low or band pass filter, a color processor and adisplay unit. The color processor converts an aspect of one or morechannels of the person's EEG signal(s) to a color and shows that colorto the person on the display. The aspect of the EEG that is converted tocolor can be the frequency or the amplitude of the person's EEGsignal(s). If EEG amplitude is used in the conversion process, theinstantaneous, average or peak amplitude can be used. This process isdynamic, meaning that the system repeatedly converts the EEG signal tocolor while the person is receiving neurofeedback training.

[0015] By using color as the feedback signal, a plurality(theoretically, an infinite number) of feedback signals can be providedto the user during a feedback session. This is in contrast to manyconventional feedback systems which simply inform the person whether, ornot, the frequency of the EEG is within a single predetermined frequencyrange. Also, color-based neurofeedback signal is generally much easierto understand and follow than many types of feedback images heretoforeknown.

[0016] In addition to, or instead of, color, audio can be used as afeedback signal. For example, one audio tone can be generated to inhibita person's neuro response and another tone can be used to reward adifferent response.

[0017] The display unit used to provide the color-based feedbackinformation to the user can be a single, stand-alone display (e.g.,computer display). Alternatively, the display unit may comprise a pairof displays, one for each eye, such as in the form of head worn goggles.With a pair of displays, the color processor can provide the same ordifferent images and colors to each eye of the person being trained.This provides considerable flexibility in the type of neurofeedbacktraining scenarios the person being trained or a health careprofessional might desire.

[0018] The neurofeedback system described herein may use conventionalelectrodes that adhere to a person's scalp with conductive paste.Alternatively, however, the system may use EEG sensors that do notrequire conductive paste. This latter type of sensor generally detectsthe electromagnetic energy emanating from a point or area associatedwith a person's brain and does not directly contact the person's scalp,at least not to the same extent as is generally required forconventional adhesive electrodes. One suitable type of non-adhesivesensor is the Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (“SQUID”).

[0019] The system described herein advantageously uses color as itsfeedback information to provide an enhanced neurofeedback experience.Many aspects of the system are fully programmable, such as specifyingthe EEG channels to be monitored, the colors to be used, whetherfrequency or amplitude is to be converted to color, etc. Further, thesystem may use conventional electrodes (which use conductive paste toadhere the electrode to a person's scalp) or non-adhesive sensors whichavoid the use of the paste and minimize the mess and time involved withadhesive electrodes. These and other advantages and benefits will becomeapparent upon reviewing the following disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings inwhich:

[0021]FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present inventionincluding a neurofeedback system in which color is used as the feedbacksignal;

[0022]FIG. 2 illustrates conceptually the conversion of EEG frequency toa color value;

[0023]FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of how EEG frequency can be convertedto color;

[0024]FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of how EEG frequency can beconverted to color;

[0025]FIG. 5 illustrates conceptually the conversion of EEG amplitude toa color value;

[0026]FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of how EEG amplitude can be convertedto color;

[0027]FIG. 7 shows a head worn display unit in the form of goggleshaving two separate displays;

[0028]FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of how electrode location can becorrelated to a color image on a display;

[0029]FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of how electrode locationcan be correlated to a color image on a display; and

[0030]FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of the use of non-adhesiveSQUID sensors in place of conventional adhesive electrodes.

NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE

[0031] Certain terms are used throughout the following description andclaims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in theart will appreciate, companies and individuals may refer to componentsand sub-components by different names. This document does not intend todistinguish between components that differ in name but not function. Inthe following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and“comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should beinterpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ”. Also, theterm “couple” or “couples” is intended to mean either a direct orindirect electrical connection. Thus, if a first device couples to asecond device, that connection may be through a direct electricalconnection, or through an indirect electrical connection via otherdevices and connections. Further, the term “EEG” is understood to referto electroencephalogram or magnetoencephalogram signals. Also, the term“neurofeedback” generally refers to any technique wherein a person isprovided with a sensory cue (e.g., visual, audible) which dynamicallyvaries as a result of changing EEG signals. To the extent that any termis not specially defined in this specification, the intent is that theterm is to be given its plain and ordinary meaning as understood by aperson of ordinary skill in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] By way of a high level overview, the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention use color in a neurofeedback system. The user's EEG ismonitored and converted into color patterns that are shown to the uservia a display. In response, the user's brain, modifies its electricalactivity to cause a change in the color to a desired level (e.g., color,hue, etc.).

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention, neurofeedback system 100 includes one ormore electrodes 20 coupled to an amplifier 26, a filter 30, a colorprocessor 34 and a display 40. In general, the electrodes 20 detectelectrical signals or electromagnetic waves through the person's scalp22 and provides those signals via conductors 22 to the amplifier 26.Although three electrodes are shown in FIG. 1, it should be understoodthat any number of electrodes can be used. Also, the electrodes depictedin FIG. 1 are shown as being conventional electrodes that use conductivepaste to be closely adhered to the person's scalp. Alternatively,sensors that do not use conductive paste can be used. These types ofelectrodes are discussed below.

[0034] Referring still to FIG. 1, the amplifier 26 comprises anamplifier that increases the amplitude of the EEG signals received byelectrodes 20. The amplified signals are then processed by filter 30which preferably comprises a low pass or band pass filter. Althoughshown as separate units, amplifier 26 and filter 30 may be assembled asa single unit. Amplifier 26 and filter 30 are well known in the art and,accordingly, are not described in further detail. More informationregarding suitable implementations of amplifier 26 and filter 30 can befound in U.S. Pat. No. 4,263,561 and Chapter 6 (pages 288-348) ofMedical Instrumentation Application and Design, 2nd ed., 1992, both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference. The amplified and filteredoutput signal 32 from filter 30 is provided to color processor 34 whichwill be described below. It is generally recognized that the frequencyof EEG signals fall within the range of 0 to 50 Hz and thus, the filter30 may be set to attenuate all frequencies greater than 50 Hz.Additionally, as explained below, it may be desirable to examine an EEGchannel for a particular frequency or range of frequencies. The filter30 can be programmed to filter for such a particular frequency orfrequency range. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, thecolor processor 34 provides a control signal 28 to the filter 30 thatthe filter employs to set its frequency response to a desired level.

[0035] Referring still to FIG. 1, color processor 34 couples to inputcontrols 36 and an output device 38, which preferably comprises adisplay. The color processor 34 may be controlled via input controls 36and provide information (e.g., status and control information) ondisplay 38. Using the input controls 36 and display 38, a user canoperate and program the color processor 34. The color processor 34 maybe a computer and the input controls 36 may comprise a keyboard, mouse,etc. In that context, the display 38 would comprise the computer'sdisplay. Alternatively, the color processor 34 may comprise discretelogic designed for the purposes stated herein.

[0036] In addition to color, an audio signal can be provided to theperson via speakers or head phones (not shown). Audio can be used as afeedback signal. For example, one audio tone can be generated byprocessor 34 (or other logic) to inhibit a certain neuro response andanother tone can be used to reward a different response.

[0037] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, thecolor processor 34 converts the amplified and filtered EEG signals fromfilter 30 to one or more colors for displaying to the person beingtrained on display 40. The output signal 42 from color processor 42preferably comprises a signal that provides or otherwise indicates thecolor(s) to be shown on the display 40. The output signal 42 maycomprise a standard NTSC-based signal, VGA signal or other types ofsignal in accordance with any other suitable format. The output signalcould simply be a digital color value that is converted by the display40 into a suitable video signal.

[0038] The display 40 may comprise a stand alone, single display, suchas a cathode ray tube (“CRT”), a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), anorganic liquid crystal display (“OLCD”) and the like. Alternatively, asshown in FIG. 7, the display unit 40 may comprise head worn goggles 70in which a separate display 40 a, 40 b is provided for each eye. TheCyberEyeTM series of goggles (e.g., the CE-200 head mounted display)provided by the Ireality.com, Inc. are suitable examples of suchgoggles.

[0039] Using system 100, the electrical activity of the person's brainis detected and processed and color images are provided in a feedbackloop to the person. The visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum isgenerally recognized as including the colors from red having awavelength of approximately 700 nanometers, to violet at approximately400 nanometers. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, color isused as the feedback visual cue. Color is advantageous over many typesof conventional feedback cues, in which one or two images are presentedto the user based on whether a brain wave is within or outside of aparticular frequency range. Using color there are numerous, if notinfinite, variations for the visual presentation to the person. Thispoint is illustrated with reference to FIG. 2.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, the color processor 34 converts an EEGfrequency (detected by electrodes 20) to a color value that is dependentupon the frequency detected. Thus, a range of frequencies 59 from afirst frequency to a second frequency, can be converted to a range ofcolor values from a first color value to a second color value. All ofthe unique colors and shades of color between the first and secondcolors correspond to the frequencies between the first and secondfrequencies. For example, the first and second frequencies might be 4 Hzand 35 Hz, respectively. The first and second colors might be red andblue, respectively. If the frequency resolution of the system is 1 Hz,there would be 30 frequency increments between 4 and 35 Hz (i.e., 5 Hz,6 Hz, 7 Hz, . . . 34 Hz) in frequency range 59. Accordingly, the colorrange would include 30 different colors between red and blue (e.g.,yellow, orange, green, various shades of red, yellow, orange, etc.).

[0041] The frequencies comprising the range of frequencies 59 in FIG. 2may be individual frequencies, as explained above, or ranges offrequencies. In this latter case, each element of frequency range 59 isitself a range of frequencies. For example, the first frequency may be1-3 Hz, the next element 4-6 Hz, etc. The color processor 34 selects thecolor that corresponds to the frequency, or frequency range, that mostclosely matches the person's EEG frequency.

[0042] The color processor 34 preferably performs the function ofconverting EEG frequency to color, although this function may beperformed by the amplifier 26 or filter 30. FIGS. 3 and 4 show twoexemplary embodiments of the color processor 34 to perform thefrequency-to-color conversion function. One of ordinary skill in the artshould recognize that the color processor 34 will include othercomponents as well, such as components necessary for driving the display40. In FIG. 3, color processor 34 preferably includes ananalog-to-digital converter (“ADC”) 50 coupled to a central processingunit (“CPU”) 52 which couples to memory 54. Memory 54 may comprisenon-volatile memory (e.g., read only memory, hard disk drive, etc.)and/or volatile memory (e.g., random access memory). As such, memory 54may be used for storage of the software executed by CPU 52 to performthe functionality described herein, as well as to provide temporarystorage for data during operation.

[0043] Referring still to FIG. 3, the amplified and filtered analogoutput signal 32 from the filter 30 (FIG. 1) is converted from an analogform to a digital form by ADC 50. Analog-to-digital converters are wellknown in the electronics art. Once in digital form, the filter 30 outputsignal is provided to CPU 52, which may be any suitable programmable,general purpose microcontroller. One of the functions performed by theCPU 52 is to convert the digitized time-domain filter 30 output signalto the frequency domain. Any of a variety of well-known techniques canbe used in this regard. For example, the CPU 52 can perform a “discreteFourier transform” of the signal from ADC 50. As one of ordinary skillin the art would know, the discrete Fourier transform produces a set ofvalues that corresponds to the frequency content of the signal.Alternatively, CPU 52 can be programmed to perform the well-known “FastFourier Transform.” Regardless of which type of time-to-frequencyconversion technique is implemented, the CPU 52 determines orapproximates the frequency spectrum of the filter's output signal, andthus the frequency spectrum of the EEG signal.

[0044] The EEG waveforms are the summated synaptic potentials generatedby the pyramidal cells of the cerebral cortex. The frequencies andamplitudes are determined by special arrangement of excitatory andinhibitory interconnections among cells. With billions of neurons andthousands of synaptic connections per neuron, the EEG waveform is not apure sinusoid, its frequency content can include a predominant frequencycomponent and various other frequency components. The amplitude of thepredominant frequency component will be larger than those of the otherfrequency components. The CPU 52 preferably is programmed to determinethe largest frequency component and recognize that component as thepredominant frequency component. The CPU then compares the frequency ofthe predominant frequency component to predetermined or programmedranges of frequencies corresponding to the various ranges depicted inFIG. 2. Once the CPU 52 determines the frequency range to which thepredominant frequency component corresponds, the CPU 52 then selects thepredetermined color corresponding to that frequency range for display ondisplay 40.

[0045] An alternative embodiment of the frequency-to-color conversioncapability of the color processor 34 is shown in FIG. 4. The embodimentof FIG. 4 includes a plurality of band pass filters 56, each coupled toan ADC 58. The digital output signals from the ADCs 58 are timemultiplexed by multiplexer 60 which is controlled via control signal 62generated by CPU 52. The multiplexer 60 provides one of the digitalsignals from ADCs 58 as its output signal to the CPU based on the statusof the control signal 62. Accordingly, the CPU 52 can individuallyselect a digital signal from the ADCs 58 for further processing.

[0046] Each band pass filter 56 preferably corresponds to a frequency orfrequency range of interest as in FIG. 2. Rather than performing aFourier transform as in FIG. 3, the plurality of band pass filters 56 isused to determine in which frequency range the predominant frequency ofthe EEG signal corresponds. Each band pass filter 56 has an upperfrequency cutoff and a lower frequency cutoff and passes any frequenciesthat fall within the frequency range between the upper and lowercutoffs. All other frequencies are attenuated. Each band pass filter 56thus has a band pass frequency range that corresponds to the pluralityof frequencies or frequency ranges as in FIG. 2. The predominantfrequency component of the EEG signal can be ascertained by determiningwhich band pass filter has the largest magnitude output signal. Thefrequency range corresponding to that band pass filter corresponds tothe EEG predominant frequency component. The CPU 52 can make thatdetermination by using the control signal 62 to sequence through thedigital output signals from the ADCs 58 and determine which ADC providesthe highest amplitude signal. The CPU 52 preferably sequences throughthe ADC output signals to determine the largest amplitude signal at asufficiently fast rate given typical EEG frequencies. For example, theCPU may sequence all ADCs at a rate of one loop every 1 microsecond.Once the CPU 52 determines the predominant frequency of the EEG, asbefore, it selects the color corresponding to that frequency range todisplay on display 40.

[0047] Rather than converting EEG frequency to color as in FIG. 2,alternatively, EEG amplitude can be converted to color. As shown in FIG.5, a range of amplitudes 61, from a first amplitude to a secondamplitude, can be converted to a range of color values from a firstcolor value to a second color value. As before, each amplitude elementof the range 61 may itself be an amplitude range. The EEG amplitudespreferably represent the average amplitude of the EEG signal asexplained below. All of the unique colors and shades of color betweenthe first and second colors correspond to the amplitudes between thefirst and second amplitude. For example, the first and second amplitudesmight be 5 mv and 15 mv, respectively. The first and second colors mightbe red and blue, respectively. If the amplitude resolution of the systemis 1 mv, there would be 10 mv worth of amplitudes (i.e., 5 mv, 6 mv, 7mv, etc.) between 5 and 15 mv. Accordingly, the color range wouldinclude 10 different colors between red and blue (e.g., yellow, orange,green, various shades of red, yellow, orange, etc.).

[0048] In the embodiment using EEG amplitude, any measure or computationof signal amplitude can be used. For example, instantaneous amplitudecan be used to convert to a color. FIG. 3 shows a block diagram suitablefor this embodiment. The EEG signal output from the filter 30 isdigitized by an A/D converter 50 and CPU 52 simply compares eachdigitized point to a color value by comparing the amplitude of thedigitized point to a plurality of amplitude ranges as in FIG. 5.

[0049] Alternatively, average signal amplitude can be used in the colorconversion process. Any one of a variety of techniques can be used todetermine the average amplitude of the EEG signal. An example is shownin FIG. 6 in which the color processor 34 includes a rectifier 60, anADC 62, a moving averager 64, a CPU 52 and memory 54. The rectifier 60(optional) ensures that the signal being processed is only of positivevoltage. The rectifier 60 signal is then digitized by the ADC 62. Themoving averager 64 receives the digitized version of the rectifiedsignal and computes an average of the last n number of samples of therectified and digitized EEG waveform. The value n can be any suitablepredetermined or programmable value. For example, n may be a number ofsamples that corresponds to the last five seconds of the EEG signal. TheCPU 52 receives the average value from the moving averager 64 andconverts that average amplitude value to a color value.

[0050] Instead of instantaneous or average amplitude, peak amplitude canalternatively be used to convert to a color. In this case, the colorprocessor 34 would have a peak detection circuit (not specificallyshown), which are well known, or the CPU 52 as in FIG. 3 could beprogrammed to analyze the incoming digitized EEG waveform for peakvalues. The peak value could then be compared to a range of peakamplitude values and converted to a predetermined corresponding color.

[0051] As noted above, the display unit 40 may comprise a stand-alonedisplay or a head worn display unit in the form of goggles. If thedisplay is implemented as a stand-alone display, the user, of course,will view a single display of varying color in relation to an aspect(e.g., frequency, amplitude) of the EEG waveform. In the form ofgoggles, the display unit 40 may comprise two miniature displays, onefor each eye, as represented by goggles 70 in FIG. 7.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, the goggles 70 include a display 40 a for theleft eye and a separate display 40 b for the right eye. As noted above,each display can be separately controlled. This feature permits thecolor processor 34 to drive each display 40 a, 40 b with the same ordifferent image and the same or different colors. With different colorspresented to each eye, the user could be instructed to strive for makingthe two displays show the same color. Also, one display/eye could beexposed to a predetermined color and the other display could show acolor that, as explained above, is a function of the frequency oramplitude of the EEG signal. Further still, on each display 40 a, 40 b aplurality of color fields can be shown relative to the person's EEG.Thus, two or more different color fields can be shown independently toeach eye and each eye can be presented with two or more colors thatdiffer, in at least one color, with the colors presented to the othereye.

[0053] As noted above, one or more electrodes on the person's scalp canbe used to implement the color-based neurofeedback technique describedherein. The EEG signal from each electrode is referred to as a“channel.” Numerous variations of using multiple EEG channels arepossible. For example, in FIG. 8, two electrodes 80 and 82 are placed onthe person's scalp 22. Two color portions 86 and 88 of an image 84 areshown on a display 40 for each electrode signal. Thus, the EEG signalfrom electrode 80 can be used to drive the color portion 86 and,similarly, the EEG signal from electrode 82 can be used to drive thecolor portion 88. The two color portions 86 and 88 can be shown on astand-alone display or on separate displays as explained above.

[0054] In FIG. 9, more than two electrode channels 90 (specifically 7 inthe example of FIG. 9) correspond to a like number of color portions 92(i.e., 7) in an image 94 on a display 40. The orientation of the colorportions 92 on the displayed image 94 can approximate the orientation ofthe electrode placement as shown or be in any other desired orientation.It should be understood that any number of electrodes can beimplemented. For example, if the industry standard “10-20” system isused, there will be 19 electrodes and 19 color portions on the display40.

[0055] Apart from converting an EEG channel (frequency or amplitude) toa color, the color processor 34 could convert the difference between twoelectrode channels to a color. As such, the color processor 34 couldcompute the difference in frequency or amplitude between two electrodechannels. The computed difference could then be compared to a pluralityof ranges and the color associated with the corresponding range could beselected to show on display 40.

[0056] The neurofeedback system 100 described herein preferably is fullyprogrammable. Numerous aspects of the operation of the system can beprogrammed by an operator. Such aspects include, but are not limited to:

[0057] the colors available to be shown on display unit 40

[0058] whether frequency or amplitude is monitored for conversion tocolor

[0059] the range of frequencies to monitor

[0060] the mapping between frequencies and colors (FIG. 2)

[0061] the range of amplitudes to monitor

[0062] the mapping between amplitudes and colors (FIG. 5)

[0063] As noted above, the system described herein may use sensors todetect brain wave activity that do not require the use of conductivepaste. One suitable type of such a sensor is the Superconducting QuantumInterference Device (“SQUID”). In general, a SQUID sensor operates at acryogenic temperature at which metal loses its electrical resistivity.In one type of SQUID, a metal film is deposited on a quartz cylinderhaving a narrow bridge “weak link.” A magnetic field will increase theenergy, making the superconducting state unstable so that the weak linkconverts to its normal state (non-superconducting), thereby allowing oneflux quantum to enter. The conduction of the ring is monitored by aradio frequency circuit whose sensitivity is increased with a feedbackcurrent circuit. Generally a “flux transporter” is used in which aprimary coil (“detection coil”), of superconductive wire, is connectedto a secondary coil (“input coil”) contained in the superconductingchamber with the SQUID. For example, the chamber may comprise “dewar”vacuum chamber filled with liquid helium or nitrogen. For example, aplurality of primary coils are placed closely about the patient's headto detect the brain's magnetic fluxes. Those fluxes create responses inthe detection coils which are communicated to the SQUIDs. In response,the SQUIDs produce a voltage proportional to the net magnetic flux oneach detection coil.

[0064] An exemplary configuration of the use of SQUID sensors is shownin FIG. 10. The configuration includes a dewar vacuum chamber 100 havinga dewar tail end 102 with a helmet-shaped cavity 103 and fiducial marks109. The wall 104 facing the subject's head has inflatable thin bladders(cuffs) 105 positioned between the sensors 106. The sensors 106 (9shown) are mounted in an array on a support shell (not specificallyshown). The sensors 106 are connected by wires 107 to electronicscontained elsewhere (e.g., color processor 34) which receive signalsfrom the sensors 106 and process the signals in accordance with knownSQUID-based techniques. Each sensor 106 preferably comprises a detectorcoil (flux transformer) and a SQUID. All of the components within thedewar preferably are covered by liquid helium or nitrogen at a cryogenictemperature. Explanations of SQUID sensors and their use can be found inU.S. Pat. Nos. 6,275,719, 6,269,262, 6,195,576, 5,211,178, and5,020,538, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0065] SQUID-based sensor systems typically are employed in amagnetically shielded room to prevent externally generated magneticnoise from interfering with the minute magnetic fields emanating from aperson's brain. Even the magnetic fields from a car passing outside thebuilding in which a SQUID system is housed can interfere with thesignals being monitored. The shielded room preferably comprises aluminumand mu-metal layers. Mu-metal is a high permeability magnetic shieldingmaterial typically made of non-oriented 80% nickel-iron-molybdenum alloyannealed at approximately 1900° F. If such shielding is undesirable, anytechnique for eliminating the effects of magnetic noise is acceptable.One such suitable technique is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,538,incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] Further, if noise from a display or goggles is a concern for theSQUID sensors, a SQUID sensor can be placed near the goggles to senseits signals and use that signal to cancel out the noise detected byother SQUID sensors. Alternatively, the display can be placed outsidethe room in which the person is using equipment. In this embodiment, theimages from the display can be provided to the person via one or moremirrors through a light pipe such as a periscope configuration.

[0067] The system described herein can be used therapeutically in manyways. As an example, if the practitioner wanted to treat a behaviorsymptom such as depression which was believed to result from left brainunder activation, the practitioner might train the location at “C3”which was producing 20 femto Teslas to reward or encourage the locationto produce 30 femto Teslas. Therefore, the color blue which could beunderstood as a “cold” color could represent the amount of energy (20femto Teslas) produced at that site and the patient could beincrementally rewarded with color spectrum increasing to redrepresenting 30 femto Teslas (i.e., blue, green, yellow, orange, red),thus training the brain to increase the energy at that location.

[0068] The following U.S. patents are all incorporated by reference inthis disclosure: 6,275,719 6,269,262 6,195,576 5,211,178 5,020,5385,709,645 5,024,235 5,899,867 5,241,967 5,571,057 4,919,143 5,409,4454,949,726 5,365,939 5,877,447 6,291,759 4,263,561 5,230,344 4,320,7684,474,186 4,747,082 4,928,704 4,955,388 5,010,891 5,123,899 5,135,4685,295,491 5,213,562 5,220,921 5,224,864 5,267,942 5,289,438 5,306,2285,320,109 5,325,872 5,331,969 5,352,181 5,356,368 5,363,858 5,374,1935,377,258 5,406,957 5,447,166 5,450,855 5,458,117 5,465,729 5,467,777

[0069] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of theprinciples and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerousvariations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled inthe art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intendedthat the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variationsand modifications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A neurofeedback system, comprising: an amplifierthat receives EEG signals from a person; a color processor coupled tosaid amplifier; and a display unit coupled to said color processor;wherein said color processor dynamically converts an EEG signal fromsaid amplifier to a color and shows the color on said display unit to aperson being monitored, said color being repeatedly generated by saidcolor processor as the person is being monitored.
 2. The system of claim1 wherein said display unit comprises a display having a single viewingscreen.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said display unit comprises apair of displays provided in head worn goggles.
 4. The system of claim 3wherein said pair of displays is independently controllable by saidcolor processor so that the same or different colors can be shown on thedisplays.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein a predetermined color isprovided on one of said displays and the other display is provided witha color that is determined by said color processor based on the person'sEEG.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein said color processor converts thefrequency of the EEG signal to a color.
 7. The system of claim 6 whereinsaid color processor compares the frequency of the person's EEG signalto a plurality of frequencies, each frequency having an associatedcolor, and selects the color associated with the frequency to which theEEG frequency most closely matches.
 8. The system of claim 6 whereinsaid color processor compares the frequency of the person's EEG signalto a plurality of frequency ranges, each range having an associatedcolor, and selects the color associated with the frequency range towhich the EEG frequency most closely matches.
 9. The system of claim 1wherein said color processor converts the amplitude of the person's EEGsignal to a color.
 10. The system of claim 9 further including aplurality of instantaneous amplitude values, each value having anassociated color value, and wherein said color processor determines theinstantaneous amplitude of the EEG signal and selects the color valuemost closely matching the EEG instantaneous amplitude.
 11. The system ofclaim 9 further including a plurality of average amplitude values, eachvalue having an associated color value, and wherein said color processordetermines the average amplitude of the EEG signal and selects the colorvalue most closely matching the EEG average amplitude.
 12. The system ofclaim 9 farther including a plurality of peak amplitude values, eachvalue having an associated color value, and wherein said color processordetermines the peak amplitude of the EEG signal and selects the colorvalue most closely matching the EEG peak amplitude.
 13. The system ofclaim 1 further including non-adhesive sensors which detect the person'sEEG signal and provide the EEG signal to the amplifier.
 14. The systemof claim 13 wherein the sensors comprise SQUID sensors.
 15. The systemof claim 1 further comprising a speaker coupled to the color processorfor providing audio feedback to the person.
 16. The system of claim 1wherein the display is located in a separate room from the person and isviewable by the person via a series of mirrors.
 17. A method ofproviding neurofeedback, comprising: (a) amplifying an EEG signal; (b)dynamically converting the EEG signal from said amplifier to a colorvalue; (c) selecting a color to be shown on a display as a result of thecolor value; and (d) displaying said color to the person.
 18. The methodof claim 17 wherein (d) includes displaying said color on a displayhaving a single viewing screen.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein (d)includes displaying said color on a display comprising a pair ofdisplays.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein (d) includes displayingdifferent colors each of said displays.
 21. The method of claim 20further including showing a predetermined color on one of said displaysand providing the other display with a color that is determined based onthe person's EEG.
 22. The method of claim 17 wherein (b) includesconverting the frequency of the EEG signal to a color value.
 23. Themethod of claim 22 wherein (b) includes comparing the frequency of theEEG signal to a plurality of frequencies, each of said plurality offrequencies having an associated color, and (c) includes selecting thecolor associated with the frequency to which the EEG frequency mostclosely matches.
 24. The method of claim 22 wherein (b) includescomparing the frequency of the EEG signal to a plurality of ranges offrequencies, each of said plurality of frequencies having an associatedcolor, and (c) includes selecting the color associated with the range towhich the EEG's frequency matches.
 25. The method of claim 17 wherein(b) includes converting the amplitude of the EEG signal to a colorvalue.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein (b) includes converting theinstantaneous amplitude of the EEG signal to a color value.
 27. Themethod of claim 25 wherein (b) includes converting the average amplitudeof the EEG signal to a color value.
 28. The method of claim 25 wherein(b) includes converting the peak amplitude of the EEG signal to a colorvalue.
 29. The method of claim 17 further comprising providing audiofeedback signals to the person.
 30. A neuro feedback system, comprising:means for detecting the electrical activity associated with a person'sbrain and generating an electrical signal indicative of said electricalactivity; an amplifier that receives the electrical signal from saidmeans for detecting the electrical activity; a display on which colorsare provided to the person to provide neurofeedback information to theperson; means for dynamically converting an aspect of the person'selectrical signal to a color to be shown on said display.
 31. The systemof claim 30 wherein said aspect includes the frequency of the person'sEEG signal.
 32. The system of claim 30 wherein said aspect includes theamplitude of the person's EEG signal.
 33. The system of claim 30 whereinsaid aspect includes the instantaneous amplitude of the person's EEGsignal.
 34. The system of claim 30 wherein said aspect includes theaverage amplitude of the person's EEG.
 35. The system of claim 32wherein said aspect includes the peak amplitude of the person's EEGsignal.